What counts as selfish conduct in a disaster? We discussed the importance of definitions two episodes ago, and defining selfishness here is crucial.

First case: harming others for personal gain.If a ship sinks and lifeboats are scarce, I pull Teacher Zhan out and take her place. This plainly seems selfish. Should it be condemned?

Second case: I actively harm nobody but also offer no help.Running for a lifeboat, I see Zhan limping but do not stop to help because it might reduce my own survival chance. Is that selfish, and should it be condemned?

The difference is harming another for selfish ends versus ignoring another and refusing rescue for selfish ends. Does that change the classification and moral judgment?

Definition is not today’s focus, so we will treat disaster selfishness broadly as any conduct considering only oneself rather than others’ interests and public order, including both cases.

Here is a brief introduction to each side.

Begin with the opposition: such behavior should not be condemned.

First, seeking benefit and avoiding harm is instinctive. The will to survive escapes rational control and therefore should not be condemned.

This resembles the position of Fan Meizhong, nicknamed ‘Runner Fan’ after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. A teacher in class when shaking began, he fled without letting students leave first, organizing them, or even shouting for them to run.

Fan said his response was instinctive: the sudden quake made him lose rational control and the capacity for responsible judgment. He did not intentionally refuse to warn or save students and therefore felt no regret.

Second, morality should show inclusion and warmth. Selfish survivors are also victims; many later feel guilt and injury. Society should offer understanding and psychological support rather than condemnation. Only then can survivors hear morality’s call. We should emphasize moral education, not blame.

What did the affirmative argue?

First, selfish behavior should be condemned because it often worsens harm, maximizing individual rather than collective interest.

In an air crash, orderly evacuation may save more or even everyone; pushing and ignoring procedure causes more deaths.